As I was studying in the Rod Library one day, I came across an old photo of the Iowa State Normal School campus and I was like, "Wow, that looks kinda like it could be a part of Hogwarts!". Well, one thing led to another and I began to wonder what it would be like if the University of Northern Iowa was actually Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enjoy this twist on the beloved home to Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Iowa State Normal School or Hogwarts?
1. The Great Hall
Maucker Union is arguably the heart of campus. Everything goes on here whether that be catching up with friends over a tasty meal, plotting some mischief, or simply studying for the O.W.L's aka finals. Petition to renovate the enchanted ceiling, anyone?
2. The Quidditch Pitch
Everyone knows that quidditch is the coolest sport known to mankind err... wizardkind... and it is quite obvious that the Dome is the perfect spot for a match! You can already picture it can't you? Good luck finding the golden snitch in all that purple and gold!
3. St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
Suffering from a cruciatus curse? Or maybe you broke a bone in that pick-up quidditch match that Madame Pumphrey just can't remedy. The Student Health Center is the place to get that fixed. St. Mungo's is a lesser known place in the wizarding world, but it is good to know that there is a resource out there to be a healthy wizard!
4. Slytherin House
Now, before you point any wands, you should know that Slytherin is NOT a bad house. A lot of scientific research went into choosing Dancer Hall to be the home of Slytherin. Anyway, Dancer is Slytherin because those students who live here are often ambitious, cunning, and exclusive which are all characteristics of the Slytherin house. How are all those first and second years living in Dancer cunning you ask? Well, it takes more than just a little brain to sneak alcohol all the way up to the 11th and 12th floors...
5. Professor Sprout's Herbology Class
The UNI Greenhouse is the obvious equivalent to Professor Sprout's herbology class. Here, you can learn a lot about magical plants and how to use them in the wizarding world.
6. Hufflepuff House
Campbell Hall is home to the Hufflepuff's of Hogwarts. Why Campbell, you mak ask? Well the main characteristics of a Hufflepuff are loyalty, helpfulness, and caring. Everyone I've ever met who has lived in Campbell has absolutely loved it there and Campbell residents are known to be happy, friendly, and connected. Ever heard of the "Cam-Fam"? I rest my case. Also, Cedric Diggory definitely lived in Camelot House.
7. Hogwarts Choir Room
I don't know why, but I feel like Professor Flitwick just belongs here. Russell Hall is the Hogwarts Choir headquarters not only because it is the home to our Music majors, but quite honestly, because no one really knows what goes on there...
8. Ministry of Magic
Ahhh, Gilchrist Hall. Without the offices located in here, we wouldn't have a university! Like the Ministry of Magic, the operations within Gilchrist Hall is what keeps the school going. That is, so long as a certain angry lady clad in pink never steps foot in there. *cough Umbridge cough*
9. Gryffindor House
Everyone aspires to live in Panther Village. Everyone aspires to be a Gryffindor (don't even lie...). With qualities such as bravery, daring, and nerve, Gryffindors deserve to live in a high quality establishment. Also, PV is home to the coolest common room on campus and if you look really hard, you can see Sirius Black in the fireplace.
10. Headmaster's Office
Seerley Hall is home to President Ruud's office and President Ruud is the guy who runs the university, so obviously that makes Seerely the Headmaster's office. I think Dumbledore would appreciate the Great Reading Room and all of the collegiate architecture that Seerley boasts.
11. Azkaban
Have you ever seen Azkaban? Well if you have, it looks an awful lot like this building. So, that's why the Communication Arts Center is Azkaban. Sorry, comm, languages, and theater majors... watch out for the dementors!
12. Ravenclaw House
Alliteration aside, Rider makes the perfect Ravenclaw house because it is home to both the Business and Women & Gender Studies Living Learning Communities which are very forward-thinking and academically rigorous majors. Ravenclaws are known to be witty, creative, and resourceful. I guess that's what you get when you live without a sink in your room...
13. Hogsmeade
Mainstreet is magical, exciting, and always busy with people on every corner just like Hogsmeade is. Grab a butterbeer at the Pump Haus, some tasty pastries from Scratch Cupcakery, and have a look at all the shops for your wizarding needs!
14. Potions Class
McCollum Science Hall AKA scary Chemistry class AKA potions. Snape would love it here.
15. Diagon Alley
Get all of your wizarding gadgets and treats at 23rd Street Market! Also, it's kind of like an alley between Bartlett and the Commons, so there's that...
16. Platform 9 3/4
As soon as you walk through this entrance into campus, you can't help but feel the magic of UNI. Just look around at the whimsical trees and prestigious Lang Hall. Look behind you and you see the muggle streets of Cedar Falls, Iowa.
17. Hedwig
EVERYONE LOVES THE SQUIRRELS OF UNI AND EVERYONE LOVES HEDWIG. THEY'RE BOTH SO DANG CUTE. UGH.
